Question:
Pars Fracture L5 Vertabrae
Hi, I am professional soccer player. I have had this problem for years and want to know of the best ways to keep the fracture from hurting. I didnt feel any pain for two years and now the pain is starting to come back again. I use patches, naproxen, and wear a boston brace occassionally while working out 100% and avoiding bending backwards. I am about to head into a rigorous off season workout plan, a lot of running, playing, and strength. Any advice on how to keep the pain away. Is this career threatening? Am I going to be OK? I am nervous about even though it doesnt hurt too bad now. I think I am just overreacting and stressing which is causing me to think it hurts. but honestly i just don't know enough about the injury. my trainers are not telling me a lot. please help with positive info. im only 19, found out when i was 17.
Asked by jossimar - 1 answer - 2 years 17 weeks ago
I came across this site and your query by a google search.
I'm 40 (this summer) and last year discovered I also have a pars 'defect' or spondylolisthesis at L4 and L5 where the vertebrae are displaced about 1cm over each other. This is grade 2 where 5 is the upper vert. basically falling off each other.
This wasn't good news of course. I've had the condition for years I'm sure and I'd asked a couple phys therapists and docs about it and they told me little 'bumps' or displacements in the spine are normal wear and tear. Finally the last phys therapist I mentioned it to suggested an xray. Bang, off to the MRI and then to the neuro surgeon.
He told me I did not have any nerve pinching at the time, that the displacement is below the spinal chord proper, in the area it fans out--called the horse's tail. This is good. In the scope of things.
Said I'd likely have another 20 years of condition like I have and then at that time surgery would probably be the option. He said there's no way I should consider surgery now. No problem.
Now I have some lower back weakness, and stiffness that I manage with stretching, ice, heat, Ibu or Aleve. Hot tub is coming this week actually! I stay away from the prone position--lots of phys therapists will automatically put you in the prone push-up position for lower back issues. That's exactly what you don't want--it puts more displacement in your defect area. I find as long as my hamstrings and butt are loose and I stretch forward(like hurdler's stretch)often to keep that area loose, I'm alright. Bike racing was best for me I think--I never noticed the injury during stints of riding and training--b/c it put my back in a position that took all the pressure off the defect.
I'm a contractor now, and I've had a really really active life. Bike racing, skiing, snowb. surfing etc... so I don't even know how long I've had this injury but it's at least 10 years old.
How big is your displacement and is there any nerve pain?
I think if it is not so severe, you'll be good to go as I am--well, with a little stiffness now and then, right? Then by the time I'm 60 and need surgery, and you're my age, we'll have both had a full sporting life and with tech advances it will be a simple afternoon's outpatient surgery RIGHT!?
Ironically, I just started playing soccer at 39. My 6 yr old daughter is playing and i wanted to be more involved. Sprained my right knee--had acl surg on that one in high school--and had to get another brace. Pretty stupid sport for an older guy but I really love running around and I'm getting better at it.
Where do you play?
Cheers,
Submitted 2 years 16 weeks ago by WatersPat in Oregon.